The Somme 1916. Downton Abbey series two opens with a cacophony of noise amid the terrifying shelling of The Great War.

Former Manchester solicitor Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) – heir to Downton – is in a bomb crater, his face covered in mud just a shade darker than his Army uniform.

Death and devastation are all around as he carries a wounded soldier back to their trench.

Cue opening titles.

Jim Carter (Mr Carson) and Thomas Howes (William Mason)

Back at Downton, they are cleaning chandeliers – in stark contrast to the nightmare events in France.

But the war has reached far and wide, taking young men’s lives and leaving others wounded and shell-shocked.

As a tearful Lady Sybil Crawley says: “Sometimes it feels as if all the men I’ve danced with are dead.”

Scheming First Footman Thomas Barrow is at the Front, having carried out his plan to join the medical corps.

Yet far from avoiding action, he has found himself in the thick of battle and is desperate to find a way to return to Downton.

Second Footman William Mason is still serving the family at their country home but is equally desperate to join up and move in the other direction.

While Robert, Earl of Grantham hopes the day is coming when he too will be sent to fight in France.

We soon discover that Matthew is now engaged to Lavinia Swire, whose father is also a solicitor.

It’s also clear that Lady Mary now regrets hesitating over a future with cousin Matthew.

And what of head housemaid Anna and Mr Bates? The continuation of their love story is set to have viewers on the edge of their seats.

Would you expect anything else?

Behind the scenes.

Other highlights include: Outspoken new housemaid Ethel, played by former Emmerdale star Amy Nuttall; Lady Sybil learning how to cook in the kitchen before leaving to train as a nurse. Downton is about to be turned into a home for wounded officers; The arrival of newspaper proprietor Sir Richard Carlisle, played by Iain Glen; The return of an old scandal, and the appearance of red dress uniforms.

The good news for fans around the globe is that Downton Abbey has definitely raised the bar in this second series.

It hits the ground running two years on from where we left the story and simply doesn’t stop, even to iron the newspapers.

Writer Julian Fellowes’ is a master at weaving together ensemble casts and knowing just how to tug at our heart strings.

With more than a few shocks to come over two months of what promises yet again to be required Sunday night viewing.

Plus one of the most emotional steamy station platform scenes since The Railway Children.

A delicious televisual treat for us all to enjoy.

With even more good news to report:

Series three – expected to be set in the Roaring Twenties – is ready to go for 2012 as soon as TV bosses give the green light.

There is, indeed, never a dull moment.

Amy Nuttall as Ethel Parks

Laura Carmichael as Edith and Dame Maggie Smith as Violet

Brendan Coyle as John Bates and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Smith

Dan Stevens as Matthew, Zoe Boyle as Lavinia and Hugh Bonneville as Robert.

The media relax on the lawn as Mr Carson checks for missing silverware.

An impeccable afternoon of gangsta rap.

And finally...croquet on the lawn.

Following in the footsteps of my ancestor Lord Wylie

Postscript:

We arrived at Downton Abbey / Highclere almost on the dot of 11am. Thirty years ago exactly to that date and time I was a young reporter sat at the front of St Paul’s Cathedral – in a media stand hidden from the TV cameras – looking directly at Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, just a few feet away, as they took their wedding vows.

Having also attended Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey and Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, it somehow seemed appropriate to be at Downton Abbey exactly three decades after what ITV1 billed that evening as The Wedding of the Century.

My Order of Service:

Will we ever see one for Matthew and Mary? You already know the answer, don’t you? I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see…

Many thanks Jodie, David and Sarah. It’s a fabulous first episode delivered with skill from all involved, both in front of and behind the camera. A joy to look forward to. And very observant Sarah – I can never live up to the derring-do of my peer, my Lord…I’m told he really did live the Life of Wylie.

What a house! What a handsome group of men in the cast (I like the unifroms) and the women, upstairs and down are so talented and beautiful – hate that word, it is so tacky – but they present themselves as the class they represent. I am so looking forward to the new series. Bring it on!!!!

Thank you … another wonderful review and write-up on a great series. Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes highlights. I am waiting with great anticipation for the 2nd Downton Abbey series. I will be checking the WNED Buffulo/Toronto TV directory daily to ensure that I do not miss its start! Happy viewing everyone!!